It pays to make nice with the interior designer you’ve hired

How to get the most from your interior designer? Talk it out

The time has arrived when the 1970s laminate kitchen countertop with peeled edges has to go. And that peach powder room sink and toilet will never again be in style — you need a designer: the person who gets you, listens to you and magically creates your dream home.

Design alert! Finding a great designer is also about being a great client. As interior designers, we know the best results are created in collaboration with our clients. We asked several designers, architects and contractors: “What makes a great client?” The answer: communication, communication, communication. As motivational speaker Anthony Robbins says: “The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.”

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Communication
*Let your interior designer know your preferred mode of communication: by phone, email, text or perhaps weekly meetings. Emailing is standard, but a conversation leaves less room for misunderstanding, builds a relationship and allows issues to be cleared up quickly.

*Establish the line of communication. Always consult with your designer first; designers create the vision, and contractors and trades fulfill that vision.

*You’ve done your homework, chosen the right designer, you’re excited and now it’s time to let go and trust the process.

*When there are areas of differences with your spouse or partner, discuss them, preferably in private.

*As soon as possible, be honest about what’s not working, since changes take time and can be expensive.

*Friends and family opinions can be annoying and questionable, especially after decisions are finalized. (Whose dream house is this anyway?)

*Being sweet-tempered achieves more than being sour-tempered.

*A cup of coffee in the morning and a thank you goes a long way.

Money
*Be clear on fee structure and payment arrangements.
There is no set fee structure for our industry. Arrangements vary from fixed fees to hourly. Don’t be shocked: We charge like lawyers in that any time spent on your project from phone calls, emails, photocopying, meetings, resourcing is billable. Interior design is fun, but we also have people to feed. Design hours add up quickly, so to avoid surprises, request that your designer keep you posted on the status of his or her hours.

*Arrange a payment schedule up front and pay on time.

*Believe us, you only need two quotes. We have established and proven relationships with our trades, and always try to achieve the best prices.

*How much money do you have to spend? Be honest. This dictates the scope of work and your product selection. A good designer can work with any budget from economical to grand.

*If you have more time than money, offer to do some leg work. Interior design firms offer a range of services — drop-offs and pickup of samples or furnishings. You may save money by running these errands yourself.

*Designers will give you as much or as little hand-holding as you need — whether you simply want advice for a DIY project, or whether you want the designer to do it all. Are you high-maintenance (it’s OK to admit it) or do you go with the flow? If we know your nuances, it creates an exceptional relationship and saves money.

*The design process is lengthy, and at the beginning you may feel like money is flying out the door with nothing to show. In a world of fast food, fast fashion, and fast furnishings, quality and beauty take time and patience.

*Design is about the sum of the parts; don’t fret the small details such as one tiny toss cushion. Trust your interior designer with the big picture; that’s why you hired him or her.

*Be open-minded. Take a risk, be uncomfortable, and allow for the unexpected.

*Please don’t suggest your retired Uncle Bob retile the bathroom floor.
The most beautiful and awe-inspiring spaces are based on reciprocity between a designer and client. When both parties work with integrity, appreciation and an open mind, the outcome will bring delight for years. With the right fit, your experience will be an adventure. Expect a little turbulence, minor delays, delivered with passion and pleasure.